This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Lumpy skin disease measures amended in Italy; EU-Pakistan GATT quotas agreement adopted; Tariff-rate quotas with China enter into force; Fisheries reporting standards updated.
August 17, 2026 to August 23, 2026
Lumpy skin disease measures amended in Italy; EU-Pakistan GATT quotas agreement adopted; Tariff-rate quotas with China enter into force; Fisheries reporting standards updated.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1949 extends lumpy skin disease controls in Italy
On 13 August 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1949, amending the Annexes to Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1582 regarding emergency measures for lumpy skin disease virus in Italy. The Decision adjusts the restricted zones, protection and surveillance zones, and vaccination areas in light of the ongoing epidemiological situation, particularly in Sardinia. Italy reported delays in disease control implementation in Escalaplano, prompting the extension of movement restrictions and continued vaccination based on Italy’s official plan dated 1 July 2025. The measures are based on Regulation (EU) 2016/429, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/361, and are intended to mitigate the risk of further spread within Italy and the EU. The Decision is addressed to Italy and applies from its adoption.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1761 updates fisheries reporting and technical requirements
The Commission adopted Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1761 on 12 June 2026, amending Regulation (EU) 2018/975 regarding management measures in the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) Convention Area. The Regulation updates deadlines for annual scientific and catch reports, modifies line weighting, and revises vessel, observer, and port data requirements in line with SPRFMO decisions from its 2026 annual meeting. These changes are implemented to align Union law with updated SPRFMO standards and will apply four days after publication.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1953 approves EU-Pakistan GATT quotas agreement
On 10 July 2026, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2026/1953, concluding the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the EU and Pakistan under Article XXVIII of GATT 1994. The Agreement addresses the modification of concessions on all tariff-rate quotas in the EU Schedule CLXXV, following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU. The Council’s approval follows negotiations initiated in 2018 and the European Parliament’s consent on 17 June 2026. The President of the Council is tasked with completing the notification procedures for entry into force.
EU and Pakistan formalise quotas apportionment post-Brexit
An Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the EU and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, published on 21 August 2026, sets out the apportionment of tariff-rate quotas following the UK’s withdrawal. The Agreement records Pakistan’s acceptance of the revised EU commitments and recognises Pakistan’s initial negotiating rights for tariff line 10062000 (Husked Brown Rice). Both parties will notify completion of their internal procedures, with the Agreement entering into force upon final notification.
Notice: EU-China quota agreement enters into force
A notice published on 19 August 2026 confirms the entry into force, on 31 July 2026, of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the EU and the People’s Republic of China, under Article XXVIII of GATT 1994. The Agreement modifies concessions on all tariff-rate quotas in the EU Schedule CLXXV due to the UK’s withdrawal, with the text published in OJ L 2026/1077.
What We're Reading This Week
- Brussels is giving drones a new mission: Killing bugs: European officials are deploying drones to combat insect infestations, aiming to improve crop yields and reduce pesticide use.
